Wavefunction/eigenfunction and eigen states?

[new_986]

Hi everybody...
I have two questions about what I couldn't understand in quantum physics:

1- could anyone tell me please what is different between wavefunctions, eigenfunctions and eigen states?

2- what is different between Operator and eigenvalue?

thanks a lot

 

[Matterwave]

It seems you should review some basic QM.

1) The wavefunction of a particle is a probability amplitude distribution for that particle. An Eigenfunction is a specific function which solves the time-independent Schrodinger's equation. In general, a wavefunction may not be an eigenfunction of the Hamiltonian; it could be a superposition of eigenfunctions. An eigenstate is similar to an eigenfunction, except it may not be a "function" per say. It could be like a spinor or something else. Eigenstate is a more general term.

2) Any operator has a set of eigenvalues associated with it. For example, the momentum operator p may have a discrete or continuous set of eigenvalues associated with it depending on the set up of the problem. The operator is p, the eigenvalues are what values you may find upon measuring p.

 

[new_986]

It seems you should review some basic QM.

1) The wavefunction of a particle is a probability amplitude distribution for that particle. An Eigenfunction is a specific function which solves the time-independent Schrodinger's equation. In general, a wavefunction may not be an eigenfunction of the Hamiltonian; it could be a superposition of eigenfunctions. An eigenstate is similar to an eigenfunction, except it may not be a "function" per say. It could be like a spinor or something else. Eigenstate is a more general term.

2) Any operator has a set of eigenvalues associated with it. For example, the momentum operator p may have a discrete or continuous set of eigenvalues associated with it depending on the set up of the problem. The operator is p, the eigenvalues are what values you may find upon measuring p.

Thanks Dear Matterwave, could you please recommend me a reference what explain the basics of QM? I'm sorry if I bother you...

 

[Matterwave]

I recommend Griffith's Introduction to Quantum Mechanics.